HACHI-8 PROJECT Launches to Promote Shibuya's Iconic "Hachiko" to the World! First Event in 2026 Under the Theme of "ART," Featuring Works by 88 Artists Across the City

The HACHI-8 PROJECT Executive Committee announces the launch of the "HACHI-8 PROJECT," a new cultural initiative centered on Hachiko, Shibuya's iconic symbol. The first event, "HACHI-8 PROJECT 2026," will be held from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, 2026, timed to coincide with August 8, Reiwa 8 (8-8-8), as a way to pass Hachiko's story on to future generations.

The theme of this inaugural edition is "ART."

Centered around August 8, Reiwa 8 (8-8-8), the project will showcase over 88 works created by 88 artists selected by eight curators. This innovative urban cultural project transforms the experience of walking, exploring, and encountering art throughout Shibuya into an immersive form of artistic appreciation.

The main venue will be the 2nd floor of Seibu Shibuya A Building, with satellite exhibitions planned at eight additional locations across Shibuya Ward. Visitors will traverse these venues, engaging with diverse perspectives and artistic expressions, and discovering new charms of the Shibuya district.

Beyond an art exhibition, HACHI-8 PROJECT aims to create a dynamic space where city, culture, and people intersect, generating a uniquely Shibuya-style experience of movement and connection.

About HACHI-8 PROJECT

Hachiko waited faithfully for years at Shibuya Station's ticket gate for his late owner, Professor Ueno. From this unwavering devotion emerged the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog, which has long served as a meeting point in Shibuya, deeply embedded in the memories and daily lives of countless people.

HACHI-8 PROJECT reinterprets the cultural values of "meeting" and "gathering" for the modern era, creating a project that connects city and people, people with people, and people with culture through art.

The project was initiated with the mission of preserving and passing on the story of Hachiko, a symbol of Shibuya, to future generations.

This year's theme, "ART," aims to go beyond passive viewing—encouraging walking, chance encounters, and discoveries throughout the city. It represents a new model for cultural expression, using Shibuya itself as an experiential exhibition space.

Event Overview

Event Name

HACHI-8 PROJECT 2026

Dates

August 7 (Fri), 8 (Sat), 9 (Sun), 2026

Venues

MAIN VENUE|2nd Floor, Seibu Shibuya A Building SATELLITE VENUES|8 locations in Shibuya Ward (planned)

Organizer

HACHI-8 PROJECT Executive Committee

Co-organizers

The Hachiko Statue Preservation Society / Shibuya City Tourism Association (General Foundation)

Planned Supporters

Shibuya Ward / Shibuya Shopping District Association / Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shibuya Branch / Shibuya Redevelopment Association (General Incorporated Association) / Shibuya Station Area Management Council

Special Cooperation

Seibu Shibuya

Curators

Hiroyo Koike (Director and Secretary-General, Shibuya City Tourism Association)

Akiko Miyamoto (Special Director, International Strategy Division, Shibuya Ward)

Mitsuru Kuramoto (Broadcast Writer)

Hiroshi Doiji (Executive Officer, Senior Creative Director, BEAMS Co., Ltd.)

Shinichi Mita (Stylist)

Yota Suzuki (Representative Director and President, Hopebear Co., Ltd.)

Kunimoto Sakaguchi (Representative Director, Shibuya Pixel Art Executive Committee / thePIXEL Co., Ltd.)

Takayuki Kondo (HACHI-8 PROJECT Secretariat)

※ Participating artists and exhibition details to be announced at a later date

Auction

A selection of exhibited artworks will be available for sale or auction, at the discretion of the artists. A portion of the proceeds will support preservation efforts for the Hachiko statue and other Shibuya heritage initiatives, contributing to sustainable cultural development and coexistence with the city.

Inquiries

HACHI-8 PROJECT Secretariat

Mail: [email protected]

WEB: https://88project.tokyo